Job Details

Join to apply for the Commercial Counsel role at Alation.

Customers trust the Alation Data Intelligence Platform for self‑service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI‑ready data, fostering data‑driven innovation at scale. With more than $340M in funding – valued at over $1.7 billion and nearly 600 customers, including 40% of the Fortune 100 – Alation helps organizations realize value from data and AI initiatives.

Alation has been recognized in 2024 as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the fifth time, a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment.

Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to bring diverse perspectives together and empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths to live out our values each day. These are: Move the Ball, Build for the Long Term, Listen Like You're Wrong, and Measure Through Customer Impact.

Joining Alation means being part of a fast‑paced, high‑growth company where every voice matters, and where we're shaping the future of data intelligence with AI‑ready data.

Join us on our journey to build a world where data culture thrives and curiosity is celebrated each day!

Job Description

Note: This is a hybrid role requiring onsite work two days per week in our Redwood City, CA office. Local candidates only. No relocation.

Alation is seeking an experienced Commercial Counsel in the San Francisco Bay Area. This role directly reports to the General Counsel. The primary focus will be on managing and partnering with Alation's global business teams on a variety of commercial contracts and negotiations. The role will support customers on the East Coast and may require early starts. We are looking for a strong team player motivated to be part of a growing company—someone with a builder mentality who is nimble and creative, with demonstrated agility in delivering results in a dynamic environment.

We are excited to provide opportunities for career growth for a commercial lawyer who wants to expand their skillset beyond contracts into Product, IP, HR, Corporate, or Privacy. Coaching in other areas of the legal team that are of interest to you will be available.

What You'll Do

• Primarily review and negotiate commercial SaaS agreements.
• Review and negotiate DPAs & BAAs.
• Collaborate with internal teams (finance, security, product, sales, etc.) to ensure the timely closure of commercial agreements.
• Review, draft and negotiate complex contracts or other legal documentation with customers, suppliers, partners, vendors, contractors, and consultants.
• Provide legal and strategic business advice to ensure agreements are consistent with internal corporate policies and processes globally.
• Assist in the development of Legal and sales enablement tools (playbooks, training, etc.), contractual templates, and materials to bring best‑in‑class practices to Sales Operations and Legal operations.
• Act as a trusted advisor and business partner across the company by providing counsel and guidance to accomplish overall business objectives.
• Assist with additional tasks, including Procurement, IP, AI, Product, HR, Corporate, and Privacy projects, as needed.

What You'll Need

• Admission to practice law and in good standing in California.
• A minimum of 3 years experience negotiating SaaS/Software agreements.
• Stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to provide thought leadership on strategic matters as well as execute tactical operational details.
• Ability to work quickly and competently to prioritize, manage, and multi‑task in a fast‑paced working environment.
• A self‑starter attitude and an ability to work well independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Advantageous If You Have

• Experience in data protection and privacy‑related matters (US and EU).
• Prior experience at a tech startup.
• Prior experience in the data, AI or adjacent space.
• Intellectual property and product counseling experience.

Compensation Pay Range

$163,741.00 – $221,050.00

The base salary range is specific to the United States. The salary of the final candidate selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to internal equity, experience, education, work location, specialty and training. If the final candidate has a different level of experience, the base salary target range may be lower or higher than what is published.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Alation, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.

This company participates in E‑Verify. Click on any of the links below to view or print the full poster.